The Good Side of Orlando Pirates’ Exit From CAF Champions League

• Orlando Pirates have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League after losing to Saint Eloi Lupopo in the preliminary round
• The Premier Soccer League giants produced a heroic comeback against Lupopo in the second leg, but it was not enough to qualify for the next round
• A football analyst in an exclusive interview with Briefly News shared his thoughts on Orlando Pirates' early exit from the competition

Orlando Pirates failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage after losing in the second preliminary round to Saint Eloi Lupopo in a two-legged tie.

The Sea Robbers suffered a 3-0 defeat in the first leg last weekend, but mounted a heroic comeback in the second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 25 October 2025. Despite levelling the aggregate score, Pirates were knocked out after losing 5-4 on penalties, with Deon Hotto and Yanela Mbuthuma missing their spot-kicks.

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Pirates had reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League last season, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Pyramids FC.

The Positive from Pirates’ CAFCL exit

Sports journalist Uche Anuma, speaking to Briefly News, explained the positive side of Orlantdo Pirates' ouster from the CAF Champions League.

Anuma, a seasoned football analyst covering African football for over a decade, believes the timing could benefit the Soweto giants as they shift focus to domestic competitions.

"This is disappointing for the fans and club management, who would have loved to see Pirates competing in the CAF Champions League again this season like they did last campaign. But personally, I am looking at it from another angle," he said.

"The exit gives Ouaddou and his team the chance to fully focus on the Betway Premiership and other local cup competitions, and they can end the season with a domestic treble.

"They are currently on a good run of games in the Betway Premiership and have progressed to the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup. With Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns already knocked out of the tournament, the number of competitors they need to worry about has reduced."

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Anuma also mentioned the clubs that could pose a threat to Orlando Pirates in the remaining competitions.

"In the league, they need to be wary of the Sundowns test, because I think Sundowns are not getting tired of winning the Betway Premiership after eight successive titles," he added.

"Another rival that could cause them problems this season is Kaizer Chiefs. They are the defending champions in the Nedbank Cup and may want to retain the title, but I believe the Buccaneers have what it takes to finish strong in the competition."

Ouaddou explains Mbatha, Makgopa absence

Briefly News earlier reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou explained why Thalente Mbatha and Makgopa didn't make his matchay squad for the game against Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.

The Moroccan coach started the match without a recognised striker and the tactics paid off as the Bucs pulled a comeback, but lost the round on penalty shootouts.

Source: Briefly News